How To Apply For A Nigerian Business Visa

How to Apply For a Nigerian Business Visa Successfully

 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) provides business visas for travelers who plan to do business in Nigeria. A business visa is a permit for people who want to enter the country to conduct meetings, contract negotiations, sales, and other activities related to their business.

 

The embassy in charge issues business visas temporarily to foreigners who want to work in Nigeria. They are for people who wish to establish their business and not just visit Nigeria to work here.

 

Nigeria has over 170 embassies and diplomatic missions across the globe. The Nigerian Embassies issue business visas to all nonexempt foreigners from Nigeria's entry permits. Foreigners from ECOWAS member countries also do not require visas.

 

This article will show you how to apply for a Nigerian business visa in this post.

 

The Nigerian Embassy abroad is the first point of contact for those wishing to come to Nigeria and start a business.

 

Plenty of information is available online, but it can sometimes take work to sift through it and determine the type of visa you'll need.

 

What are the Requirements for a Nigerian Business Visa Application?

 

When completing a Nigerian business visa process, you are required to provide the following documents;

 

1. Passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank Visa pages for stamp approval

2. Two (2) recent passport-sized (35x40mm) photographs

3. Return Ticket

4. Evidence of sufficient funds

5. Evidence of hotel reservation/host address in Nigeria

 

The above requirement is for the business embassy visa channel.

 

However, if you are using the business e-visa channel (Online application form), you will be required to provide the following documentation on arrival;

 

1. A colored Passport Photo

2. A Copy of the Passport Data Page

3. An Introduction/Application Letter

4. An Invitation Letter from the Host Company

5. A Corporate Affairs Commission Certificate from the Host Company

6. A Copy of the Airline Return Ticket

 

Who Can Apply for a Business Visa in Nigeria?

 

ECOWAS member countries and citizens of some countries on the Nigerian ban list cannot apply for a Nigerian business visa. 

 

It is important to note that citizens of ECOWAS countries do not need to obtain a Nigerian visa to visit.

 

Apart from the two groups mentioned above, everyone can apply for a Nigerian business visa anytime.

 

Eligibility for Nigerian Business Visa and the Uses

 

A business visa is strictly for business purposes and cannot serve for residency or tourism. If you are an international student, you can apply for a visitor visa instead of a business visa and can also enter on a tourist visa.

 

The following groups of foreign travelers are eligible for a Nigerian business visa and can use their business visas to attend a;

 

· Conference

· Nigeria humanitarian service training

· Meeting

· Staff of NGOs

· Procurement of Nigerian goods

· Seminar

· Services

· Marketing

· Contract negotiation

· Job interviews

· Sales

· Musical concerts, and

· Trade fairs

 

Visa Validity/ How Long Travelers With Business Visa Can Stay in Nigeria?

 

Travelers with business visas in Nigeria can stay for only 90 days after the visa issuance without an extension per entry. On the other hand, after the issuance of an e-visa on arrival, it can last for only 14 days before it expires.

 

With a Nigerian Business Visa, How Many Times Can I Enter The Country?

 

A Nigerian business visa is valid for only a single entry. Therefore, on arrival to the country, you can only use the business visa once to enter.

 

How Long Does It Take To Process A Nigerian Business Visa?

 

Nigerian business visa processing takes three speeds: Super rush, rush, and standard.

· The super rush business visa processing takes two days

· The rush takes four days, while

· The standard takes six days.

 

What is the Cost of Processing a Nigerian Business Visa?

 

The cost of processing a Nigerian business visa is unstable and varies depending on the country you are coming from and the speed you choose to process it. 

 

However, the average prices of processing a Nigerian business visa include the following;

· Super Rush Price: USD 300.99

· Rush Price: USD 255.99

· Standard Price: USD 214.99

 

Explanation of some terms used in the application for a Nigerian business visa

 

Online application form

 

· You have to apply online to Nigeria consulate in your country.

· Fill in the necessary information and scan the documents as the consulate requires.

· You will still visit the consulate with your valid international passport after completing the online form.

 

Proof of registration of business

 

· For a foreigner to obtain a permit to transact business in Nigeria within a given period, he must show evidence of business registration.

· Such registration will spell the business's name, nature, and the type of goods or services they offer.

· He will also provide a certificate of incorporation to the company inviting him to Nigeria for business. The reason is to avoid fraudulent practices among the parties.

 

Evidence of sufficient funds

 

· As one into international trade, you must provide a bank statement of account showing you have sufficient money in your business account to transact the type of business you stated.

 

· Apart from the money for a business transaction, you have to show extra money that will take care of your feeding and accommodation and other expenditures that might crop up during your stay in Nigeria.

 

· Most times, the consulate will request evidence of hotel reservation.

 

Valid international passport

 

· You must present your valid international passport to the authorities concerned as proof of citizenship so that the business visa, which is always a seal or stamp, will be placed on it.

 

· Such a passport must be valid for at least six months.

 

A valid return ticket

 

You must provide your return ticket showing you have paid for a flight to and fro.

 

A letter of invitation from a company in Nigeria

 

You must provide a copy of the invitation letter written to you by the company you intend to transact business with to come and patronize them.

 

Business cover letter

 

· Your company will write the consulate identifying you as their staff, your position, and your purpose of traveling.

 

· Such a letter must address issues concerning immigration responsibility.

 

Conclusion

 

The ideas in this article are some of the things you should know about the process of applying for a Nigerian business visa.

 

The detailed directives here will guide foreigners who plan to come to Nigeria for all kinds of business activities on how to do so without much difficulty.